Joris Laarman Lab has become most notable for its work to 3D print a bridge in Amsterdam, through MX3D studio, but before this large-scaled metal welding robotic arm, the lab was implementing more traditional methods of metal 3D printing technology. In addition to large-scale bridge projects, the Lab is known for its intricate furniture design, such as the ‘Aluminum Gradient Chair’ that Laarman fabricated for Friedman Benda Gallery in New York in 2014.
The chair was engineered at the cellular level, with the Lab taking advantage of the design freedom afforded by 3D printing. Turning to direct metal laser sintering, rather than their large-scale MX3D metal welding robotic arm, the studio crafted a piece that was both lightweight and structurally sound, while also aesthetically pleasing. Solid cells in the design allow for structural integrity, but are combined with hollow cells for weight and material reduction.
For the ‘Bits and Crafts’ exhibition at the Friedman Benda Gallery, the Lab actually fabricated three Gradient Chairs. One chair is now a part of the permanent collection at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Austria, while another is on display at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany.
